Tuesday, 4 June 2013

At my silversmithing class I have been learning how to (and how not to!) make a bezel for cabochon. It's certainly been a learning experience in how to place the flux in the right place so that the solder actually joins the bezel wire not just runs to one side of the gap and also how to use my torch correctly so I don't burn a hole in the bezel wire! It was very satisfying when it went right but I need more practice until I feel proficient at this technique.

I also had fun learning how to use the different sanding and polishing attachments for my husband's handheld Dremel. At one stage it felt like I took one step forward and then two steps back as I used the attachment that removed excess solder and then promptly realised that I had then accidentally added some more scratches that then need to be removed.

Labradorite Sterling Silver Fleur de Lis Pendant

This pendant is my version of a Fleur de Lis design. It didn't look like this in my sketchbook however it seemed to 'grow' into this shape as I made it and added different elements. Although I do feel quite precious about this pendant as it was my first major metalwork project that took much longer than it needed to, I have decided I can't keep everything I make and have put it up for sale in my Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/153049264/labradorite-sterling-silver-pendant?ref=shop_home_active. Hopefully, it will find a home with someone who loves it.